NECTAR PRODUCTION IN SEVERAL Campanula SPECIES (CAMPANULACEAE)

Monika Strzałkowska-Abramek

Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland

Jacek Jachuła

Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland

Małgorzata Wrzesień

Department of Geobotany, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland

Małgorzata Bożek

Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland

Agnieszka Dąbrowska

Botanical Garden of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Sławinkowska 3, 20-810 Lublin, Poland

Bożena Denisow

Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland


Abstract

The flowering, nectar production and sugar content were examined in 2012–2013 seasons for three Campanula species (C. persicifolia L., C. glomerata L., C. trachelium L.). The flowers of all studied Campanula spp. are distinctly protandrous; most of them opened between 10.00 and 14.00; only the flowers of C. glomerata continued the opening process until 16.00 (GMT + 2 h). The flower life-span differed between species and was the longest for C. persicifoliaca. 5.5 days and lasted 3.0–3.5 days in C. glomerata and C. trachelium. The duration of the male phase was 2–3 fold shorter (C. persicifolia and C. glomerata) than the female phase or was equal (C. trachelium). Irrespective of the year of study and the species, the female-biased nectar production pattern was evidenced. The amount of nectar accumulated at the female phase reached 70–87% of the maximum nectar produced by a flower. The total sugar yield (0.4–
12.2 g/10 m2) established for the studied species is low compared to other herbaceous meadow species. However, due to diverse insect visitors groups, the Campanula flowers can be recommended to support pollinators in home gardens or on idle lands. 

Keywords:

floral longevity, dichogamy, male phase, female phase, pollinators conservation, bee pastures

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Published
2018-06-25



Monika Strzałkowska-Abramek 
Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Jacek Jachuła 
Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Małgorzata Wrzesień 
Department of Geobotany, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
Małgorzata Bożek 
Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Agnieszka Dąbrowska 
Botanical Garden of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Sławinkowska 3, 20-810 Lublin, Poland
Bożena Denisow 
Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland



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